01
Closest in-town escape
South Hills Preserve
South Colton Hills • Open-Space Hillside Preserve • Closest Wild-Feeling Escape From Town
A short drive from most Colton neighborhoods, these rolling hills offer quick dirt climbs and wide-open views over the valley.
South Hills is where locals go when they want real dirt underfoot without committing to a long drive. The trails are a mix of old service roads and narrower paths that zigzag up to ridgelines with big views toward the San Bernardinos. Go early or near sunset for cooler temps and golden light on the surrounding hills.
02
Best tough climb
Blue Mountain Trail
North Of Colton Near Grand Terrace • Steep Summit Trail With Service Roads And Singletrack • Best Workout Climb With Big Valley Views
This stout ascent rewards the grind with sweeping panoramas over Colton, Riverside, and the distant peaks.
Blue Mountain feels like a true summit hike even though it's right above the neighborhoods. Expect a steady, sometimes steep grade as you wind up the broad road and use trails toward the top. On clear days you can spot the 215 and 10 freeways far below while enjoying a surprisingly quiet ridgeline.
03
Best for varied routes
Box Springs Mountain Reserve
Between Riverside And Moreno Valley • Rugged Chaparral Park With Multiple Trail Options • Best For Longer, Varied Routes
A short hop down the 215, this preserve offers everything from direct, steep climbs to meandering loops with big Inland Empire views.
Box Springs is where local hikers go when they want to stretch their legs for a few hours. You can tackle a direct route toward the antennas for a lung-burning climb or string together side trails for a more moderate circuit. Expect exposed slopes, classic chaparral, and sweeping views that make the effort worthwhile.
04
Most iconic walk
Mount Rubidoux Park
Just West Of Downtown Riverside • Paved And Dirt Paths Up A Landmark Hill • Most Iconic Local Sunset Walk
An easy-to-follow path spirals up to a historic summit with city, river, and mountain views that feel bigger than the mileage suggests.
Mount Rubidoux is the classic introduction to Inland Empire hiking and a favorite for families, joggers, and first-time visitors. The paved route makes it accessible, while side dirt paths add a bit more of a trail feel if you want it. Time your visit for sunset to watch the lights come up over Riverside and the Santa Ana River below.
05
Best mellow nature fix
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park
Southeast Riverside • Urban Nature Preserve Of Rolling Canyons And Plateaus • Best For Mellow Loops And Wildflower Season
A web of trails dips in and out of gentle canyons, offering easy to moderate loops that feel surprisingly wild for being so close to town.
Sycamore Canyon is ideal when you want a few miles of dirt without serious climbing. The landscape shifts between open grassland, rocky outcrops, and seasonal wildflowers, with enough intersecting paths to customize your route. It’s a reliable choice for casual weekend hikes or after-work decompressing on the way back from Riverside.